20-26 October 2014

Monday morning brought whatsap messages from home at 5:30a.m.  Grandfather, Vance Batteen had just passed.  The rest of the morning was spent with messages and phone calls back and for with loved ones at home. 

Grandfather passed peacefully with Nancy and Emily in the room with him.  He was at home, at Amanda's and just went to sleep. Taylor, Emily and Jayden has just finished singing him Primary Songs and Happy Birthday, because he always thought it was his birthday.

Adam was grateful to have spent time with Grandfather while home on business in the last few weeks.  He was able to see him a week ago, on one of his last good days.  We will miss him and are sad we will not be with the family to celebrate his life.  We are so grateful for the knowledge we have that families are forever.  We know Grandfather is having a wonderful reunion with loved ones that have passed before him.

Grandfather and the Vance Allen Greats at our house Easter 2014

Tuesday was just another day here. Nothing special to report.

Wednesday was crazy busy.  I hosted the Lunch Bunch group here.  We spent from 11:00 till 2:30p.m. making ang paos out of fabric for an old folks home here.  8 ladies sat around my kitchen table with 4 sewing machines and worked on the nearly 50 red envelopes.  It was fun to chat and to work together to serve the elderly of our community.  Afterwards I rushed down to school to take Emmie a snack before dance and give her her temple bag for mutual tonight.  I also had to pick up Lacie.

When I got to school I found Lacie in tears.  Some girls in her class that she studies with in the Library everyday, wrote her, what she thought where kind notes in Chinese.  When she showed them to another friends, that girl told her what they really said.  Lacie found out they had really written things like.... Lacie is mean, Lacie is fat, Lacie is short, Lacie is ugly, We don't like Lacie, We don't want to be her friend.  It totally devastated her.  She thought these girls were her friends.  Lacie gave me the notes and I asked the Mandarin Liberian to read them for me.  She wouldn't tell me what all they said because she didn't want Lacie to hear it.  She told me it was all mean things and that it basicly said they didn't want to be Lacie's friend.  She hugged Lacie and told her to not listen to the girls.  That they are not true friends.  She then told me I needed to talk to the teacher about it and show Mr. Martin the notes.  It was against school values to treat each other like that.  I felt so bad for Lacie.  She was so sad and felt so bad about herself.  At home she would have had Elsie to turn to or watch her back or other friends she had know all her life to turn to.  Here, these girls are the only friends she has right now.  Lacie  thought these girls were her new friends. Now she has no one.  Lacie is always kind to everyone.  She is really good at reaching out to others and especial those that need a friend.  That's makes this even TOUGHER!  Hate days like this!

Thursday  I had to go visiting teaching to a new lady I met Felicity Lin.  She has a baby girl and 2 boys.  Her husband is not a member.  She is very nice.  I really liked her.  We had a nice visit.  She has juice and muffins for us.  The taxi ride was brutal on me so I had to politely decline.  Which was a risk of offending because of her culture.  Luckily I had my c-bands on was green so it was not hard to convince her I didn't feel well enough to eat her treats.  I was terrified I was going to get sick.

Felicity did tell me about a parade right down on the road leading to the square on Saturday that I can take Lacie to.  The children dress up in their costumes and go store to store and are given candy.  Lacie is trying to get me to get her another costume.  We brought her flight attendant dance costume.

Lacie is out of school today and tomorrow for parent teacher conferences.  When I got home from Felicity's, Lacie and I walked over to take Becky Compton.  I had made her bread for part of the VT message.  My companion hadn't made and appointment with her.  While there Sara wanted to come over and play.  So instead of going to lunch together we stop and got a subway sandwich and went back for the girl could play.   They played dolls for a bit and then went downstairs to play the basket ball, and ping pong extra.  While down there they asked to play basket ball with some boys from their school.  Some how things went very wrong.  They boys flipped the girls off and swore at them.  One pulled Sara's hair so she punched him.  Lacie said that Sara was being bossy and playing rough.  Knowing her I can totally see that.  So now there are boys at school that are upset with Lacie and Sara.  GREAT!  Just what Lacie needed this week!  According to Becky, Sara is having trouble with boys at school teasing her.  Now she has drug Lacie into it.  Lacie and Sara do stand out in the crowd with their blonde hair and Sara is lacking in social skills at times.  Hope things all work out.  I didn't bring it up with Comptons because we only got the true details after Sara left.  I figured if Sara tells her parents and they make a deal out of it I will chat with them about it.   It's hard to tell someone your daughter is bossy and mean.  I don't think Lacie and Sara will be spending a lot of time together.

Friday Lacie and I spent from 10:30 till 12:30 at the school doing her parent teacher conferences.  Like everything here it was super intense!  Mr. Martin spent an hour with us.  Everyone else only gets 20min.  Because Lacie is a new student he spent the extra time talking to us and making sure we understood things and talking about every subject and how they do things.  It was a really good conference.  I really feel like he knows Lacie and is trying to help her be her best.  In a very loving and kind way.  He is willing to give her extra help in the areas that she is struggling getting caught up to here.  We also talked to him about what happened in the Library.  He said it was something that the Associate Principle need to be involved in and the counselor.  He told Lacie that he knows that the kids in the class like her and that he loves how kind and out going and friendly she is to everyone. He said that the note thing was note tolerated at TAS.  It was bulling and it would stop.  So Monday there will be a meeting with all involved.  Hope it goes well and doesn't add to the problem.  Lacie felt better about things when she left.  We also visited her Mandrian teacher who loved her and had her do a few videos for her! It was very impressive.  Lacie is doing great with it!  The music teacher spent an hour playing instruments with Lacie and telling me how much she loved having Lacie.  She said she has never had a student be able to get everyone in the class to dance.  That's our Lacie!  The Art Teacher loved her 3D building and is printing it for her.  All the teachers are very impressive.

Art Class

Mr. Martin and his new puppy.  Lacie was the only one to get to see it!

Music Teacher and Lacie playing one of MANY instruments and songs together!

Can't miss the recorder duet!

 

Adam spent the day with Arnold and some of the VP's from one of the subcons golfing.  He has been worried about it. He says he is terrible at golf.  Adam is worried because he is now at a level that business is done on the golf course.  He has been going downstairs and practicing in the golf room.  He was even worried about what to wear.  I am sure he will do great.  Like everything he does!

Saturday was spent at the Parade with Lacie.  She got a taste of what it was like to live in Singapore.  She couldn't go more then a few feet without having a picture taken of her.  People would have their children pose with her.  It was really crazy.  Lacie was a good sport and just posed for everyone of them.  Even put her arm around the kids to the delighted the parents.  At the mall by us where things started it was crazy busy.  There was a line that stretched all the way around the block.  When we asked people what the line was for no one knew.  They were just standing in line because there was one and something must be free.  They must have stood in line for hours with their little kids.  CRAZY!!!

Last years dance costume is getting a bit short.

Didn't realized it till she put it on!  Oops!

Our Lacie is growing up!

In the whole area here by our condo and down by the school; most of the shops are giving candy to the children dress-up for Halloween.  It was a fun event for Lacie.  Emmie was at the Stake Youth Brunch today and then at the schools Food Fair.  We went to the Food Fair with Lacie for a few minutes after trick-or-treating.  It was at the end of it.  We didn't stay long because Lacie was embarrassed to be in her costume there.  The Food Fair was done huge like everything else here.  Made our little Harvest Festival at home look like nothing.   They had foods from all over the world to buy.  One of the schools parking lots was set up in carnival games and the other parking lot was food booths.  Insides was a haunted house, other games and booths to purchase things like books and TAS school apparel. 

Leaving he school Joey from the modeling agency stopped us and asked if the girls would model for him. That is the 3 time he has stopped me.  We are thinking about letting the girls do it.  Several families in the ward have let there kids do it and it has been a positive experience.

Adam and I went on a date later that night.  We tried again to go the Flower Market down in Nehu next to Costco but it was closed for some reason.  Total disappointing.  It is usually open from 4-12 every day.  At least that is what the translator on my phone said the sign said.  Not sure what the deal was. 

Sunday  Laice volunteer to sing in the special musical number for the primary program.  So she had a practice after church.  We had a car full today.  We took the Southman older kids to church with us because Ashley sprained her ankle yesterday trick or treating with us.  The side walks here are very dangerous at times.  Often uneven, whole and steps in random places.  You really have to watch where you are walking.  sacrament meeting was funny on our row.  We had our little family with the Southam's 3 oldest sprinkled among us on our bench.  Then Dori's son Colton asked to sit with us after the sacrament.  Glad the kids like us and want to be with us.

After church we went to dinner and FHE at the Bishop's house.  It was really nice.  They missionaries where there, a couple were he is a member and she is not.  They have a daughter Lacie's age. There was also a young single adult was there.  I don't remember everyone's names.  I wish I had Lacie's gift of remembering names.  It was a really nice evening.  Then we raced home to prepare for Monday.  I quickly made homemade Apple Oatmeal muffins for seminary.  Carrie called me at the Beck's and ask if I could help her out.  Here you have to make everything almost always from scratch.  Apples and Oatmeal are always on hand around our house, so Apple Oatmeal Muffins it was.

Happy Birthday wishes to .... Mr. E who turned 1years old  this week.  Can't believe Elijah is that old already.  Time flies!

What I love about Taiwan.... People actually asked us to take Lacie's picture here.  Of course there were a few who didn't or took it on the sly.  Most of the people who wanted her picture ask.  Nice change from our time in Singapore or China!

Special Welcome Home to Austin.  Wish we could have been with family at this great event.  So proud of Austin.  He has been a faithful missionary and has grown to be an amazing man.  See you at Christmas.  Can't wait to hear more stories!

All together Again!

 

13-19 October 2014

Monday  girls are still out of school because of the 10-10 holiday.  We went for a walk to see if what I was guessing would be a short cut to Apple Store would work.  Turned out I was right.  I am finally feeling like I know where things are.  Apple store is a store that has a bit of everything.  I call it Taiwan Wal-mart just not even close!  It has school supplies, craft, dishes, home goods, things for cars and bikes, few food items and even some pet supplies and clothing.    Right now they even have Halloween costumes and decorations.  VERY LIMITED, but they do have them.  If you want to spend a small fortune!

Girls being silly at Apple

Pumpkins for sale at Welcome.  Big one is 5588nt that is $186.27 US. 
The normal size ones are $23.00 to $26.63.  The tiny ones are $7.97!

Tuesday we woke thinking Adam would be home by dinner.  This was not to be.  He called about lunch time; never a good sign when he is so post to be flying over the Atlantic Ocean and no phone service.  There was a mechanical issue with the toilets.  Only 2 of the 8 toilets were working on the plane.  They had to divert to Hawaii.  He had to spend the night on Wikiki Beach.  Rough!  Another night without Dad home. 

I need to find out how to fix my phone to not buzz or ring at night.  it makes a sound every time I get an email or whatsap or call.  It has woken me up at about 3:30a.m. the last two nights.  I am dead on my feet. 

Wikiki Beach with Walton team

Went shopping below at the Korean Market in our building.  Got a few things  today... thought you might like to see what it cost me $23.00 US.  Package of 4 tiny lettuce heads, 2 cucumbers, 6 apples, something we are going use for our pumpkin, 4 little yogurts, 2 boxes of cereal (because it was on sale.) loaf of bread two cartons of shelf milk (2liters).

 

                                     
Wednesday Adam finally got on another plane this morning.  Come to find out the problem with the planes toilets was someone had shoved 8 diapers down it.  The problem started with the flight before Adam's, the Taiwan to San Francisco leg.  Then the plane is cleaned and turns around and heads back to Taiwan.

For Mutual the ward planned to watch the Womens Conference and dinner at Beck's.  Girls and I didn't go because Adam arrived home about 6p.m. with his 5 suitcases and 3 boxes.  SOOO happy to have him home.  He brought treasures for us all.  Girls and I some clothing and best of all memory foam pads for all the beds.  So excited to sleep on them.  My hip  is so painful from the beds.  It hurts to walk, sit everything.  Hoping this will help.  Adam even returned with Halloween Candy!  Candy Corn and Chocolate!  Our hero!!!!  Emmie is so glad to have Tang again!  The small things that make us happy!

Thursday Lacie tried the new Ballet Class and really like it.  Teacher would like her to take both Monday and Thursday.  I am not against that as long as the girl that spends the class swearing doesn't do it anymore.  Lacie says she is the youngest but likes it better because it is a harder class.  I do feel bad for Lacie.  She is not getting the dancing Emmie is and is missing Dance at home and the competitions and solos.  Next year will be better because in Junior High she can take it as a class during the day.

We have started to find cockroaches in our place.  I have only found small ones and mostly dead.  Adam found a huge one on his shelf in his office.  It must be because it is starting to cool down.  Only slightly, I am still wearing my shorts!

Friday I meet Emmie after school and we walked to the photo place to have her photo's retaken.  It was not to far from school.  The picture is much better!  The guy even had a pet squirrel.  Yep pet squirrel.  Truly a Taiwan Moment!  Adam was late coming back from the south but we did sneak away for dinner at King Burrito and a massage.  Adam liked it but I felt like I was being tortured several times.  My neck and back were not as tight when I left.  The guy totally found my soar spots, including my hip and took it upon himself to fix me.  It was nice to just be with Adam.  Been so long! 

Saturday Lacie had her first Activity Days Activity.  Here is like Singapore, Activity Days is both girls and boys.  They met in the park and read scriptures and played on the playground and ran thru the fountain.  We spent the afternoon preparing our lessons for Sunday.  Emmie, Adam and I all have to teach on Sunday.  We went to the Klumps for dinner and a party.  It was a celebration of Tammy's Birthday.  I made potato salad which was a hit.  Good thing I figured out a good way to make it without pickles in Singapore.  We have not been able to find a true, good, dill pickle.  It is one of the things the girls want to buy to eat at Christmas.  Everyone really liked it and want the recipe.  Only problem is I really don't follow a recipe so there is not one to share.

Sunday was busy as usual with Adam in meetings and the Sunday routine.  We are still working on memorizing the Living Christ. It is coming slowly.  Our new home teacher came over.  It is Dori's husband Russ and his son Colton.  Colton is out of town at a soccer tournament in Manila.  This meant Dori came with Russ.  They know our friends from Singapore the Brinley's.  It was really fun to figure that out.  We are going to enjoy getting to know Dori and Russ and Colton too.

Happy Birthday Wishes.....  Happy Birthday to Uncle Aaron and cousin Colton on the same day!

What I love about Taiwan... There are birds.  The birds sing here like home.  You don't see many but I hear them in the morning on my walks and it makes me think of my home and makes me smile.

That is it from here!

6-12 October 2014

Monday I met with Lacie Dance teacher to discuss Fay a girl in Lacie's class that spends the class yelling out in class profanity when she doesn't like something. For example if she has to stand on her toes to long in her toe shoes and it hurts she yells out sh--.  Of if she doesn't like what someone says she yells out f---  you to them or flips them off.  She uses the Lords name in vain through out the class as well.  This is a class of 6 girls.  There is no reason why she should be doing this.  Ballet is very refined and disciplined.  Teacher was nice.  I told her Lacie like her and enjoyed the class, but this had to stop.  She asked me to bring Lacie to the advanced class on Thursday to see if she likes it.  The teacher also wanted me to talk to the head lady of the TYPA program and make a plan of how to handle Fay.  Typical Taiwan response, but if Lacie likes the class Thursday, problem of Fays potty mouth is solved.  Plus I think it is a much better class for Lacie anyway.  I don't think Lacie or the other girls should be subject to Fays trashy talk.  Especial when she is doing it just for attention. 

Lacie brought home a recorder from music today.  So not only is she learning to play the flute now she is practicing the recorder too! YIPPEE!  Love this age!

Tuesday I decided to quit choir.  They are having practice 2 times a week now and the director wants us to practice an hour a day 7 days a week.  The songs are very difficult so I can see why all the extra practice.  It would be one thing if they where in English, but they are mostly in Spanish.  I am having a hard enough time remembering the Mandarin that I am trying to learn.  If they were songs you could just sing at home and practice it would be one thing.  But in order to practice you really have to listen to the recordings and read the music.  I will miss the social part of it.  I have really struggled with this.  I got an email reminding me that I signed up to be the room mom in Lacie's class and the PTA meetings you are required to attend here as a room mom are on Thursday.  That takes me out of choir for at least three Thursdays before the Christmas concert. (Helen the director will not like that!)  Plus I have all the costumes to do for the church Christmas pageant.  I am trying to talk to Sister Baird into adding too and fixing up the costumes we have, instead of making all new ones.  Plus I have never quiet anything before in my life, so this decision was difficult.  I do feel good about it so I made the call to my friend Carrie to let her know.  Just as I did Lacie called me from school and needed me to bring her a pair of shorts.  She had split her pants at school doing a leap for her friends at recess.  That was my answer!  If I had gone to sectional today I wouldn't have been there for Lacie.  I only have this year till she goes to junior high and I am no longer involved in her school life.  I need to be Mommy!  I didn't come to Taiwan to forget that.

I drove myself to the Shihchih Costco today with my friend Dori (Shaner, I have been spelling her name wrong. :( )  I have never been there on my own but decided to try and find it.  I was up for an adventure and I figured my GPS could get me home if I got in a real pickle.  While there I decided to buy a dresser.  It was quiet a task to get someone who spoke English that could help me.  I was sure it would fit in my car.  Everyone else was sure it wouldn't.  Lucky for me I always have a tape measure in my purse.  I pulled it out and measured my car opening and length then compared it to the dimensions on the box.  Yep it was going to fit.  Convincing the 4 Taiwanese helping me was quiet the feet.  Sure enough when I got them to unpack it out of box and turn it the right way it slid in with room to spare.    Dori and I laughed as we put groceries in every nook and cranny of the car.  I joked and said I could pill them all around her and then take a photo.  She joked and said "Don't tell an Idaho girl she can't do something."  Dori grew up on a farm in Kimberly Idaho moving pipe and working the harvest.  We have a lot in common.  Most of all we like to laugh at all the dumb things we do as we figure out how to live in Taiwan!  When I got home the reaction of the guard to the dresser was priceless. He let out an "Ohh" when I opened the back of the car.  It barely fit in the elevator but we got in up and right in front of the mirror in the entry.  I love it.  I will use it for extra storage here and at home in pool area for towels and extra swim suits when we return.

Wednesday Emmie's mutual was on the mountain at Christianson's.  Luckily Shaun Compton took all the girls from down here and Jeremy Klump picked everyone up.  Made it nice since several of us are without our spouses, including Jeremy. 

Adam sent a picture to use today from home.  It was of him and Hunter.  No one has seen Hunter since before we left.  Lacie has been terribly worried about him.  I must admit I have been to.  He is the one who saved me from going crazy with Lacie while building our house.  We all believe angels brought him to us.  He is an amazingly sweet, patient animal.  We would all be sad if he was gone.  Adam said he just came around the corner of the house as he finished spraying.  Adam didn't see from where.  Hunter was glad to see Adam and get his feeder filled.  Adam had spent several days all day out working at our place.  This was the first he saw of him.  YEAH HUNTER IS FOUND!  I sent the picture by email to Emmie at school and showed Lacie as soon as I saw her.  Both girls were so happy.  It made our day to see Hunter and Daddy!

  

Thursday I spent all morning with Lacie in the rain for Field Day.  It looked like the kids had fun.  At one point I ran (Yes, ran!) back up the hill to our condo and got my hat.  It was such a pain to deal with the umbrella in the wind and rain.  My hat was much better.  I had to go buy a shirt for Lacie at the tiger shop (school store) because of course I didn't think about getting her dry clothing when I ran home.  She was soaked and would have been miserable in the air-con the rest of the day.  Several other moms' followed my lead.  YEP it was a good idea and she can use it for spirit week here in a few weeks.  After Field Day I went with about five moms to one of the gals home (same complex as Klumps) and had our first room mothers meeting with a member of the PTA.  It was a coffee.  They like to do that.  It was lovely and this home was amazing.  I really liked all the ladies and have been invited to go to lunch once a month with them.  After the meeting three of us went to lunch at the new King Burrito that opened yesterday.  It was SOOOOO good!  I really enjoy these ladies. 

 

 

Lacie took the Advance Ballet, Point Class tonight; she loved it!  It is over at 6:15p.m.; that will make it so I am late for Mandarin.  It's the best for Lacie, so we will make it work.  Much better class and no Fay swearing all class long!  Lacie said it was way more challenging, which is another plus.

 

Friday Adam sent me a Whatsapp with a picture of him presenting.  He had about a 5minute warning,  I am sure he did amazing.  After all the meetings and dinner he raced with all the Walton guys (2 suburban and his car full of people) to Best Buy in Nampa to pick up the part for our security cameras that he ordered. They got there just at closing.  Then they all wanted to go out with him to our house.  Adam said they couldn't believer our home and how much land was ours.  They spent and hour 1/2 there touring it, playing air hockey and fooseball.  Some of the ladies played the piano so they enjoyed just playing ours while all the guys goofed off.   I am glad they enjoyed our home.  It really is a beautiful home.  I miss it.  One of the guys wanted to know how he would get a taxi if he lived out there.  "Aw, you won't!"  Couldn't believe that taxi is not how we get around and that everyone for the most part around us owns at least one car, and most likely a tractor! :)

 

Today is also Elsie Evan's birthday at home.  Lacie made her a sign that we took a picture of her holding and messaged her so she could be the first to wish her a Happy Birthday.  We also have no school today for the 10-10 holiday.  The girls don't have it on Monday either.  If Adam wasn't in Boise this would have been one of the holidays we would have traveled.  Emmie is a little bent out of shape over not traveling. 

 

Emmie invited all the youth over tonight.  11 of them came.  The others where traveling our had something with family they were doing.  It was fun and nice to have all the kids around.  Some of them went to a movie before and then came over.  Some just met here after the stake service project.  I feed them baked potatoes, sandwhiches, chips, soda and Emmie's favorite; no bake cookies.  The kids just hung out down stairs playing all the things down there.  At the end of the evening they decided to watched "Tooth Fairy" in our condo.  They all left about 10:45p.m.  By time I got done taking some of them home it was 11:45p.m. when we crawled into bed.  Worth it for the girls to have good friends and all the kids to be together.  SO glad they all like to be here.  Just can never get them to all go home. :)

 

Why is 10-10 celebrated?  ... The National Day of the Republic of China, also referred to as Double Ten Day or Double Tenth Day is the national day of the Republic of China (ROC). It commemorates the start of the Wuchang Uprising of October 10, 1911, which led to the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in China and establishment of the ROC on January 1, 1912.

 

During the establishment of the ROC, Taiwan was under Japanese rule, which begin in 1895. In 1945, after surrender of the Empire of Japan in World War II, Taiwan was placed under the control of the ROC.

 

Saturday we spent the morning cleaning up the party mess and then just chilled the rest of day.  Lacie and I made Halloween Garlands to decorate with.  Just needed to get in the feeling of the season since it is still 77 plus here. (don't forget the humidity adds a few degrees :) )  I ran in the rain to get the things we needed to finish garland and conference noodles for tomorrow.  They do import pumpkins.  Not sure I will buy one.  Check out the prices in the photo below!  Can't bring myself to spend $26.63 for a pumpkin I usually grow!

Halloween Garland we made to decorate with!

 

Adam is hiking with his guys into Blue Lake.  We all wish we could be there to see the beautiful Idaho Mountains and Fall color.  Adam took Dixie with him.  He said everyone really liked it.  They saw our friend Mike Tanner and his daughter who is Emmie's age (Mallory) at the top just before you hike in.  Everyone wanted a picture with Mike and his gun.  It was  amazing to them he was just walking around with a gun.  You could never do that here.  After the hike Adam took everyone back to our place for a BBQ.  They ate bear, elk and home grown beef.  That was amazing to them too.  Thanks to all our friends the Paul Lewis family, who gave up their meat so Taiwan folks could have a really taste of Idaho.  Can't forget the Idaho Potatoes and coleslaw.  Everyone really enjoyed our place.

 

Sunday the girls and I spent listening to the Saturday sessions of Conference.  It was rebroadcasted today and yesterday at the church but all in Chinese.  We watched it here on Emmie's lap top and made "Conference Noodles".  Can't for go tradition.  I have to admit they were pretty darn good, if not the best ever.  Maybe that is because they are a comfort food to us!  It is strange to be one of those they talk about listening by modern day advances and internet.  I was not surprised that the first talk given in a native tong in Conference was Cantonese, which is a dialect of Chinese and mostly spoken in Main Land China and Hong Kong!  The second was Spanish.  Both not surprising.  I listened with a tender heart as Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong spoke.  I was curious what message the Lord so desperately wanted to reach the Chinese People of the world, he would have it delivered in their native tongue.  A director fulfillment of scripture.... Alma 28:8 "For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his work, yea in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have;..."   Elder Wong's message of Rescue in  Unity and the parable of the man with palsy to be universal in need and tender to listen to. 

 

We really did have a nice day together the girls and I.  We missed Adam.  We have not watched a conference (either April or October) together in over 3 years now.  Between his business travel and going to help with Aunt Billie's place.  I have almost forgotten what those days are like.  I am sadly use to gathering my little girls around and listening to the prophets.  I realized today they are not so little anymore as they sat and took notes and commented on remarks they liked.

 

Conference Noodles

That is it from our corner of Asia.  Hope all has gone well at home this week. 

 

Happy Birthday wishes to ... Can you believe in our large families no one has a Birthday this week!  All though I did hear the Batteen's had a b-day party for Amanda and Aaron while Adam was home.  He enjoyed very much spending time with some of his siblings and parents and a special visit last week with Grandfather.

 

What I love about Taiwan... Our guards.  They are so nice to us.  They are so helpful to us.  They smile and wait on us hand and foot.  It makes it so I feel I can leave the girls alone or when girls and I are here alone, that we are safe.  It is strange how even others in our building know what floor we live on and will push our button and hold the elevator for us.  I guess when you are the only white family in the building everyone know where you belong and who you are!  So strange to be always under the spot light.  Everyone watches us here.  Everyone!

 

 



29 September -5 October 2014

This a busy week!  Lot's going on with the girls!  Adam is in States back in Idaho.  WE ALL wish we could be there together.  Soon!  We have our tickets and will arrive the afternoon of December 19, 2014.  We are all very excited for this trip home!

Monday morning was really busy as Lacie and I finished her last minute packing for camp.  She had to have her stuff to school today for Camp Taiwan.  She is very excited about this.  Lacie will be gone 3 days and 2 nights in the jungles of Taiwan!

For FHE tonight the girls and I watched the Women's Conference broadcast.  It was a bit sad to think this was the only way we would see it for the next few years.  It was nice to snuggle on the coach with the girls and watch.  I really enjoyed it.  The girls and I are going to memorize The Living Christ.  It is amazing to me that this was first published in January of 2000.  Just before Emmie was born, she will be 15 in March.  My hope is it will give the girls a tool to rely on when times are hard, when friends question them about their believe in Jesus Christ or when they need something to chase away the evil of this world.  These words will come to mind and serve as a foundation for them. 

Wednesday morning Lacie woke at 5am.  As we call it in the Batteen home, totally over Anck! (overly anxious about up coming camp)  She was so excited she couldn't sleep anymore.!  She is ready for an adventure of her own.  She didn't leave for camp till 8a.m.!   The house was very quiet Wednesday night.  Emmie and I missed Lacie the blender, (that is what we have called her since she was a baby.)  She goes from room to room blending things.  You always know when she has been around!  Adam is still gone so Emmie and I went shopping and to subway for dinner.  Emmie didn't have homework (which is rare) so we watched a movie and went to bed early.  SO nice!  It was fun to be with just Emmie.

Thursday was a weird morning with only Emmie here.  Once I got her off to school at 6a.m.  I free to do whatever I wanted till 3:45p.m. When we would meet and go grocery shopping.  Very strange place I find myself in these days.  Moving here has drastically changed my responsibilities and daily routines.

I picked up my friend Dori for Choir after races Emmie some nose drops and picking up the Choir music, all before 9:30a.m.  Dori and I would spend the next 35mins. trying to find the American Club where Choir practice was held.  We went around in and around in a very big circle at least 3 times before our friend Carrie just stayed on the phone to get us there.  I was a lot of fun being lost with Dori Shinner.  Her son Colton and husband Ross have just been assigned to be our home teachers.  They have just moved from Shanghai this summer.  They have a home near Micron in Boise, right on the rim above Columbia Village.  She owned a home deco place in Garden City called ........... ?? can't remember right now.  They will be here for the next 3 years.  I can see us being great friends.

Lacie has been at camp a whole day and judging from the website she is having a great time.  Lots of cute pictures of her. I wonder how she is doing her first time away from home?

 

http://camptaiwan.com.tw/youth-camps/summer-camp/camp-blogs/?lang=en

 

The password this year is TAS2014.

 

Friday's most exciting thing was that Lacie is home and had a wonderful time at camp.  She is very tired so her and I just watched a movie and had what she wanted for dinner. (refried beans and  quesadillas) Lacie said the food at camp was the only bad thing.  She hated it.  Judging from the photos, I don't blame her!  She and I made the little video of her Camp Taiwan Adventure.  She can't wait till next year.

 

Emmie was off with the girls, Elizabeth Klump, Addy Southam, Becky Christianson (she made sure Alison Beck was invited)  They spent the evening at the Southam's watching a movie and painting nails and doing hair.  Girl stuff!

http://www.smilebox.com/playBlog/4e44457a4d4445794f54413d0d0a&blogview=true

 

Saturdays are different with Adam gone.  We spent the day together.  Emmie had dance practice, and both girls had homework of course.  Today was the first day that it was so nice.  We even opened the windows.  It was such a nice day we really enjoyed our walk over to Jasper Village to have dinner with the Comptons.  Another family here with micron.  They lived in Aunt Linda and Uncle Gary's ward in Boise.  We are related by great grandfather somehow.  Becky and I share the same maiden name.  They arrived the week before school started.  Their daughter Sara is the same age as Lacie.  They have the same birthday.



 

Sunday is was another regular Sunday here even though it is Conference Weekend back home.  Because of the time change it is all happening while we sleep! :(  The stake will rebroadcast at the church building next Saturday and Sunday.  We will stay home to watch it since it will all be in Chinese!  It is so strange to be the minority here.  Even Singapore had conference in English.  Not here! 

 

That is it for us here.  Adam is still in the states busy at our house getting it ready for winter and picking up the long list of things needed for here.  Our friends even adding a few wish items like Candy Corn! :)  It has been another long trip.  I will be glad for the day when this phase of our lives is over.  It is so hard to be a single parent.  Been doing it now for 2 years on a regular basis!  By time Adam returns it will have been 19 days!  But who is counting?  We have done longer!

 

This is one of the things Adam has done while here is in Boise.  Sure he is working hard!  Adam's dream car....New Corvette Stingray 2014...430HP - 0-60mph in 3sec.  He would like one in getallic gray!

 

Adam also spent time with Dad and Mom looking at Dad's Charger that is almost done!  Way to much playing!!!!  Wish I was there!

 

 

Happy Birthday Wishes to ..... Missed Amanda last week oops!  Sorry!  Hope it was a good one.    Hailey 12th. B-day!  Wow hard to believe you are in Young Womens!

 

What I love about Taiwan....  It does have seasons.  Not the beautiful fall colors of home :(  But there is relief from the smothering heat and humidity.  GOT a small taste of it Saturday.  Hope this is the beginning of cooler weather.  Still wearing those shorts and T-shirts, but it is cooler. Today is 79*F with only 54% humidity!  Happy Day!  That means it feels about 85* and a little sticky.  So much better then 110* and dripping!  According to weather temps will rise again by end of week.  Must be from the Typhoon hitting Japan.  I will take it!